Travis Kelce made history on Sunday by becoming the all-time leader in receptions for the Kansas City Chiefs. He achieved this milestone with seven catches for 89 yards during the team’s 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite some speculation about his performance declining, Kelce’s game proved the critics wrong. His record-breaking catch came in the first half, when he tied the previous record held by Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez with a 38-yard reception.
Kelce surpassed Gonzalez’s long-standing record with a 5-yard catch on the Chiefs’ fourth drive of the game. This achievement is particularly notable as it came in his 12th season with the team, while Gonzalez set the record over 12 seasons from 1997 to 2008.
Head coach Andy Reid expressed confidence in Kelce, downplaying concerns about his slow start to the season. Kelce had recorded just eight catches for 69 yards in the first three games, but Reid emphasized that he focuses more on how defenses respect Kelce rather than outside opinions.
Reid noted, “I really don’t care what anybody thinks… I watch Trav every day… He’s all in all the time, so I don’t worry about all that.” This reflects Reid’s trust in Kelce’s dedication and performance.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes also supported Kelce, attributing his earlier lack of receptions to the heightened attention from opposing defenses. Mahomes expressed his confidence, stating, “I know whatever we need, he’s going to make plays. And that’s what he did today.”
In a show of solidarity, the Chiefs’ wide receivers donned custom Kelce T-shirts during pregame warmups. This gesture highlighted the team’s support for their star tight end and his accomplishment.
Kelce’s record now stands at 922 receptions, marking a significant milestone in his career. He has been a key player for the Chiefs, contributing to their success over the years.
As he celebrated his achievement, Kelce chose not to speak to reporters, possibly indicating his focus on the team’s overall performance rather than personal accolades.
The Chiefs’ victory against the Chargers not only solidified Kelce’s record but also showcased the team’s resilience and ability to bounce back.
With Kelce leading the way, the Chiefs are poised for another strong season, and fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as he continues to add to his impressive career stats.
This record highlights Kelce’s significant impact on the franchise and cements his legacy among the Chiefs’ all-time greats.